Lucky you, with leftover cooked turkey! That means you made sure to have enough for everyone to have a great meal (and hopefully some next-day sandwiches) and STILL had extra. Smart. I always plan to make a larger turkey than necessary. There are so many recipes to make with leftover cooked turkey, from split pea soup to hash; it’s a great planned leftover! These are the best ways to freeze turkey to preserve freshness, texture, and flavor.
Cooked turkey freezes very well. You can freeze it in slices, cubes, or whole pieces. You can freeze it in large quantities, or for easier and faster defrosting, freeze it in bags or containers with the amount you think you will need for a particular recipe, like a turkey pot pie.
With the holidays coming up, many of us will soon have leftovers from a perfectly roasted turkey. Or maybe you intentionally cooked extra turkey just to freeze for later meals. Either way, freezing cooked turkey slices is a great way to preserve and extend the lifespan of your holiday bird. But there are some important steps to follow. Here is a comprehensive guide to safely and effectively freezing cooked turkey slices.
Overview of Freezing Turkey Slices
Freezing cooked turkey slices is convenient for saving leftovers to enjoy in future recipes According to the USDA, cooked turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months at 0°F or below before quality starts to degrade.
To freeze properly first allow turkey slices to fully cool in the refrigerator after cooking. Then, individually wrap slices in plastic wrap foil, or place in airtight freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. Always label packages with the freeze date and contents.
Thaw frozen turkey slices overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, use within 3 to 4 days for best taste, texture, and food safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Turkey Slices
Follow these simple steps for perfect turkey slice freezing every time:
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Let cooked turkey cool completely, ideally overnight in the fridge. This stops the cooking process for better moisture.
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Remove any bones, skin, or fat from the cooked turkey before slicing. Cut into smaller portions if desired for easier freezing.
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Tightly wrap each turkey slice in plastic wrap, foil, or place in resealable freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air.
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Label each package clearly with the freeze date and contents like “Cooked Turkey Slices, 11/20/22”. Use a permanent marker.
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Arrange packages in a single layer in the freezer until solidly frozen, then stack.
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Store frozen turkey slices at 0°F or below. They will maintain quality for 3 to 4 months.
Proper Packaging Tips
It’s important to package cooked turkey slices properly before freezing to prevent freezer burn and quality loss:
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Use heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic freezer wrap, or freezer-safe bags.
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Wrap each individual slice tightly in its own package with minimal air inside.
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If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
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For broth or gravy, leave headspace in containers as liquids expand when frozen.
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Avoid overstuffing freezer to allow adequate air circulation for fast, even freezing.
Freezer Lifespan for Turkey Slices
Cooked turkey slices that are continuously frozen at 0°F or below will maintain optimal quality and taste for 3 to 4 months, according to food safety experts.
Thawing and refreezing turkey slices further degrades texture and moisture over time. Try to consume frozen cooked turkey within the recommended 3-4 month timeframe for best results.
While frozen turkey may still be safe to eat beyond that timeframe, you’ll notice diminished moisture and flavor quality the longer it is frozen past that window.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Slices Safely
Always thaw frozen cooked turkey safely:
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Refrigerator Thawing – Slowest but safest method. Allow 24 hours per pound. Place on a plate to catch drips.
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Cold Water Thawing – Faster thawing by submerging airtight package in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.
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Microwave Thawing – Quick but can lead to uneven cooking. Use the defrost setting and check frequently. Cook immediately after thawing.
Never thaw turkey slices at room temperature. The 40°F – 140°F “danger zone” allows harmful bacterial growth.
Tips for Freezing Turkey Slices
Follow these tips when freezing cooked turkey slices:
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Chill fully before tightly wrapping individually in freezer wrap.
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Portion into meal-sized amounts for easier thawing and use.
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Use freezer bags or airtight rigid containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal packages tightly.
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Label each package clearly with contents and freeze date.
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Arrange flat in single layers until frozen solid, then stack.
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Once thawed, consume within 3-4 days for food safety.
Food Safety Precautions
Take these food safety precautions when freezing cooked turkey:
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Refrigerate cooked turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Rapid chilling inhibits bacteria.
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Handle raw turkey carefully to avoid cross-contamination with surfaces, utensils, hands.
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Only thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. Never at room temperature.
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Cook or refreeze thawed turkey immediately. Do not refreeze more than once.
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Heat thawed turkey slices to 165°F. Use a food thermometer to verify temperature.
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Discard turkey slices that have been frozen too long past the recommended 3-4 month storage timeline for safety.
Following proper freezing, thawing, storage, handling, and cooking guidelines will keep frozen turkey slices safe and delicious for months beyond the initial roast!
Frequently Asked Freezing Turkey Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about freezing cooked turkey slices:
How long can cooked turkey slices be frozen?
Cooked turkey slices maintain optimal quality frozen for 3 to 4 months at a constant 0°F or below. Freezing longer than that reduces moisture, texture, and flavor.
Can you freeze seasoned or marinated turkey slices?
Yes, seasoning or marinating turkey slices before freezing helps infuse flavor. Use airtight packaging to contain marinades and prevent leaking.
Is it safe to refreeze thawed turkey slices?
It is not recommended to refreeze previously frozen turkey slices more than once. Refreezing significantly impacts moisture and texture.
Should you freeze turkey slices in broth or gravy?
Turkey broth or gravy should be frozen separately in airtight containers to prevent leaking. Do not freeze combined with turkey slices.
What happens if turkey slices get freezer burn?
Freezer burn appears as dry, dull patches and indicates moisture loss. Trim affected parts before using turkey slices. The remaining turkey is still safe to eat, but texture and taste suffer.
Can frozen turkey slices be used to make sandwiches?
Yes, frozen turkey slices can be thawed overnight in the fridge and used for sandwiches. Microwave thawing also works. Ensure turkey reaches 165°F before consuming in a sandwich.
How do you know if frozen turkey slices are spoiled?
Signs of spoiled frozen turkey include foul odors, unusual sliminess, or unnatural coloration. When in doubt, discard the turkey. Do not taste or eat spoiled turkey.
Should you rinse raw turkey before freezing cooked slices?
No, never rinse raw poultry as this can spread bacteria to surfaces. Always freeze fully cooked turkey slices after safely handling the raw meat.
With proper precautions, freezing cooked turkey slices can extend your holiday bird well beyond the initial feast. Follow the tips in this guide for delicious freezer turkey all season long!
How Do You Defrost (or Thaw) Frozen Cooked Turkey Safely?
The best way to thaw cooked turkey is to place the bag or container in the fridge for at least 1 day; up to 2 days for larger quantities.
You can also defrost turkey in the microwave if the container is small enough to rotate on the carousel tray, which will allow it to defrost safely and evenly. Every microwave is different, so you should check your defrost setting to make sure you are doing it correctly. Some microwaves let you plan your defrosting according to weight, while others have more specific settings.
DO NOT thaw turkey or any meat at room temperature! This can allow bacteria to form, which can be dangerous, especially for people who are very young, very old, or immunocompromised in any way.
If you are using the turkey in a soup, stew, or casserole, you might not have to defrost it first. Read the recipe and see if it makes sense to add it while still frozen. This will also possibly help keep it moist and juicy. If it is heating up in a chili, for instance, the liquid and other ingredients will help moisten the turkey as it defrosts and heats through.
How to Freeze Turkey Parts
Before freezing, you will want to carve your turkey. The carcass of a whole turkey will take up way too much room in your freezer and doesn’t lend itself to pulling out of the freezer and reheating in batches as needed. Use the turkey carcass, skin, and any scraps to make turkey stock.
If you have some leftover turkey pieces, such as whole legs, drumsticks, wings, or thighs, that you want to freeze on the bone, just make sure to wrap them very well in plastic wrap. Then, slide them into a freezer-proof zip-top bag, press out any excess air, label the bag, and freeze. I prefer bags for this as it’s easier to press out extra air. But do make sure to wrap them tightly first — and get thicker plastic wrap specially designed for the freezer if you are a regular freezer of food!